Maggi Barnard

Maggi Barnard has been with the Parkes Phoenix since it was established in March 2016 and loves writing about her community.

Pet Parrot Found After Four Months

April 11, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

“It is surreal. I just could not believe it. I’ve resigned myself to not seeing him again…” It’s been four long and agonising months for pet shop owner Sean White searching for his beloved Eclectus parrot called Horace.

Horace disappeared from the Parkes Pet Barn in November last year. Security camera footage revealed a ‘customer’ took Horace from the shop when the attendant was not looking.

Sean reported the theft to the Police and mounted a massive search with Facebook posts, advertisements and followed leads all the way to Newcastle, Penrith and Sydney.

Last week he received the best news ever: the Police had found his parrot in Parkes! They went to a resident’s house for another reason, and saw a parrot there.

“It is the last thing I expected, and he was here in Parkes all the time!” said Sean holding his beloved pet of five years. “It is absolutely awesome. I cannot thank the Police enough.”

In the same week Horace was found, the person identified on the camera footage appeared in the Penrith court. The man who had Horace claimed he had bought it from the pet shop for $700.

Snippets…

April 11, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

Billabong Creek Makeover: Billabong Creek is getting a $150,000 makeover at Lake Endeavour. The restoration work follows the 2016 Lake Endeavour Dam safety upgrades in which the dam wall was reinforced to both strengthen the dam and increase its capacity. Waterways downstream were affected, and while environmental remediation was undertaken, extreme weather events have caused additional damage to the creek. Remediation works include excavation to correct slopes, installation of rock erosion barriers, redressing and seeding disturbed soil with appropriate seed and tubestock, as well as restoring the access track.

Trundle Artists: Artists from the Trundle area are invited to exhibit works in the first art exhibition at Trundle Multipurpose Health Service (MPS). The ‘Totally Trundle’ exhibition will feature artworks at Trundle MPS from 29th May to 12th August. Artworks may be original photographs, drawings, paintings or weaving, preferably framed behind glass. Works may be listed for sale. Artworks and entry to be delivered to Trundle Hospital reception on Monday, 27th May. Details can be found at http://artsoutwest.org.au/totally-trundle/ or call Christine McMillan at Arts OutWest on 0447 832 043, christine.mcmillan@health.nsw.gov.au

Sydney Royal Easter Show: Australia’s largest ticketed event brings the country to the city for 12 days (12-23 April) offering a wide range of attractions from the Greatest Show Spectacular to the Heritage Pavilion. Some of this year’s new attractions include the World’s Largest Sphere of Fear featuring six motorbike riders; Jurassic World 2
– The Fallen Kingdom. Buy your tickets at www.eastershow.com.au

Winner: Congratulations to June Bush who is the winner of the double pass to Phil & Chris Coad’s Condobolin Country Muster. Thank you to everyone for entering!

Anne of Green Gables the Musical: The Parkes Musical & Dramatic Society’s first show of the year is currently at the Little Theatre. You can still catch a show of the musical based on the much- loved novel of the same title written by Lucy Maud Montgomery. The musical has been performed every summer in Canada since 1965. See the cast of 31 bring Anne’s journey to life as she adapts to her new family and community with 17-year-old Krystal-Lee McMurray playing Anne. The heart-warming tale is suitable for all ages and is told with lots of humour. Don’t miss one of the six shows left. Tickets at www.parkesmandd.com.au or Regional Business Supplies.

True Blue Fans Support Autism Events

April 11, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

In what is becoming an annual highlight Parkes joined significant buildings and landmarks across the world by lighting up The Dish in blue in celebration of World Autism Awareness Month.

The Central West Autism and Special Needs Awareness Group (CWASNAG) organised two events under the Blue Dish last weekend. On Friday night over 300 people enjoyed a family-friendly picnic night.

On Saturday night the weather remained perfect for another beautiful evening when about 50 people, all wearing something blue, enjoyed a cocktail fundraiser evening with live entertainment by Westland (Glen Westcott and Travis Boland), an informative and thought provoking panel discussion and lovely food by The Dish Café.

“The Blue Dish is a fantastic initiative, shining a spotlight on this important cause. A big thank you is extended to CSIRO for their support in making this happen,” said Mayor Ken Keith.

CWASNAG president, Angela Wilson said: “By lighting our Dish up blue during the month of April, we are creating an awareness of Autism and in turn, prompting conversations about it.”

Angela said feedback from the panel discussion was that everyone took something away from the evening that will stay with them for a long time and encourage them to ask more questions.

Iconic structures across the world lit blue in April include the Whitehouse and Rockefeller Centre in the United States, Christ the Redeemer in Brazil, and the Opera House in Sydney.

Our Gal – Kate Anderson

April 11, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

Kate Anderson

How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here?
I’ve lived in Parkes since I was four. I love the community spirit.

Where do you work or what do you do currently and what do you enjoy about it? I work for Baptistcare Niola. I love working with the residents and other staff who always have a smile and a story. I also coordinate the Little Acorns Playgroup every Tuesday during school terms, and the St George’s Toy Library every second Monday at the Anglican Church.

What is your favourite thing to do when you have free time? I enjoy sewing and attend lessons at the sewing shed.

What makes you proud? My family and friends who are always there for each other.

If you could be an animal which one would you choose, and why? I’d love to be a cat and sleep all day.

What is your all-time favourite movie, song and/or book, and why? I don’t have any.

Tell us about your best holiday. We took the kids to the beach and even though it rained the whole time, we still had fun.

What is on your bucket list? I would love to go to Scotland to see where my grandmother’s family came from.

Trash Art Not A Waste Of Time

April 11, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

It is not only the biggest one so far, but has also been described as the best. The 15th annual Sims Metal Waste to Art
and Design Community Art Exhibition attracted a record number of 64 entries.

“We have some amazing talent in this community,” said Mayor Ken Keith to a packed audience at the opening in the
Parkes Library last Thursday.

First time entrant Ann Olson’s colourful arrangement of flowers made with baling twine, called Drought Flowers, won the Yearly Theme prize, as well as the Open 3D category. “I did not expect this,” said Ann.

Helen Standen won the Yearly Scrap Metal prize with her entry Old Keys Won’t Open New Doors, as well as the Building/Sculpture 2D category with her work called Tools Down.

Andrea Lovell, acting Cultural, Education and Library Services Manager, said the level of entries kept on getting higher making the task of the judges very difficult to pick the 17 winners.

The annual event was the brain child of Steven Campbell, Director Planning and Environment of the Parkes Shire Council, who will be retiring soon. The Mayor paid tribute to Steven for his initiative and the hard work to turn it into a regional event comprising 17 councils in the Netwaste region.

The exhibition will be at the Parkes Library until the end of the month when the winning entries will move to Oberon for the regional exhibition.

By Maggi Barnard

Arm Yourself This Flu Season

April 11, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

Coming into winter there is a lot of hype about the flu vaccine. This can cause a bit of a mix-up between the myths and the facts! So, we’ve decided to give flu myths the jab.

Did you know?
The flu is not the same as the common cold. While some symptoms may be similar, the flu is caused by a different virus and is a much more serious disease. The flu causes an estimated 1,500 deaths and 18,000 hospitalisations each year in Australia!

I got my flu shot last year, why do I need another one?
The influenza virus changes each year, the vaccines are updated yearly. Your immunity also reduces over time. Therefore, it is important to be vaccinated each year before the flu season starts.

Can the vaccine give me the flu?
The flu vaccine doesn’t contain any live virus and therefore cannot cause the flu.

When should I get my flu vaccination?
Now is the perfect time to get vaccinated! It takes up to two weeks for your immune system to build up its immunity after you receive the flu vaccine. So, it’s best to get vaccinated before flu season starts.

I never get the flu, why do I need one?
When you get vaccinated, you are also helping to protect the people around you, especially those in the community who are the most vulnerable to complications from the flu. Those at risk include people over 65, pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) people and people with certain medical conditions.

Protect yourself and your community by getting your flu shot! Speak to Parkes Pharmacy today about getting the flu vaccine.

Do You Know The FAST Signs Of Stroke?

April 11, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

The Stroke Foundation aims to ensure someone in every household knows the FAST signs of stroke.

FAST stands for:
• Face: check their face. Has their mouth drooped?
• Arms: Can they lift both arms?
• Speech: Is their speech slurred. Do they understand you?
• Time: Time is critical. If you see any of these signs, call triple zero (000) straight away.

There are 56,000 strokes each year in Australia – that is one every nine minutes.

Stroke is always a time-critical medical emergency. After a stroke 1.9 million brain cells die each minute. The faster treatment is sought, the better the chance of a good outcome.

Just 36% of Australians with stroke arrive at hospital within the 4.5 hour window for blood clot dissolving treatment, because not enough Australians know the signs of stroke and to call an ambulance.

What’s The Best Time To Floss?

April 11, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

Besides brushing, flossing pays the greatest dividends when it comes to oral hygiene. Is there an ideal time to floss? Yes. Anytime!

Today, we know that using an interdental cleaner (like floss) is part of taking care of our teeth and gums. Yet, many of our older patients see flossing as, well, optional.

Maybe because it wasn’t until the 1980s that flossing was acknowledged as a helpful self-care procedure.

Granted, brushing and flossing after every meal is ideal. But if flossing is going to be a once-a-day habit, consider this guideline. If you’re a ‘morning person’, floss in the morning. If you’re a ‘night owl’, floss at night. If you’re not sure, floss before bedtime. That way your mouth will be clean while sleeping.

Finally, should you brush first or floss first? It doesn’t seem to matter. However, those who brush first seem more likely to neglect flossing because their mouth feels clean.

For all your dental needs please call Riaz Dental on 6862 1261 or visit www.riazdental.com.au

Footy Tipping Results – Round 4

April 9, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

Tiffany’s Burning Love For All Things Elvis

April 4, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

Tiffany Steel is back home where it all started in 1993. As the Parkes Elvis Festival’s newly appointed Sponsorship and Marketing Coordinator the wheel has turned full circle for Tiffany who helped to coordinate the early Elvis festivals and served 20 years on the Elvis committee.

“I remember that first street parade,” she laughs, “Mum and I wearing vests waving our arms to stop the traffic, a couple of sad floats in the rain – and ours fell apart – and the singers, dancing in the drenching rain on the back. Oh, but those early nights at Gracelands were just awesome.”

It was there in those early days that Tiffany fell in love with organising events – a talent that came naturally.

“Dad (Bob Steel) was working the bar, while Mum (Anne Steel) was cooking, so she said to my brother and me ‘you host it’, and we did.”

Tiffany enjoyed growing up here and has always loved Parkes. Since her marriage ended five years ago, she has thought about coming back with her 11-year-old daughter, Ruby.

“I knew I’d need a great job if I were to come back,” said Tiffany. “When this position came up, friends said ‘look it’s got your name written on it’ and I had to agree.” Along with her enthusiasm and great new ideas, Tiffany brings a wealth of experience in event organising.

She has organised conferences and events around the world. She worked in local government in a tourism and marketing role in Port Macquarie Hastings; for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service in Newcastle; and managed events and fundraising for children’s charity Variety in Brisbane – all stemming from her roots of being the first paid coordinator of the Elvis Festival in 2007.

Tiffany also brings a personal passion to the Elvis Festival, and it quickly shines through her bright personality when speaking with her. She is full of great ideas and is working on a really big one at the moment – to be kept under wraps for now.

She would like to see the number of festival days extended, and an increase in international visitors, currently measured at 1%. She has a very high regard for the volunteers and would like that community spirit to continue.

“Everyone is friendly, helpful and having a good time and that is something that you just don’t get in the city.”

She also feels the festival can be enjoyed by everyone with about 80% of the 200 events this year being free. “I’d like to see even more. It’s fabulous for families to enjoy free entertainment in the park.”

While Tiffany is grateful to be back home with her family and have the opportunity to work on the Elvis Festival, Parkes should feel very lucky the wheel has turned to bring Tiffany back to where she belongs.

By Beth Thomas

Maggi Barnard

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